Tijuana is worth visiting. Visiting Tijuana with a camera is most definitely worth it, especially if street photography if your thing. It’s not dangerous in the slightest if you follow these simples rules when visiting then you will be fine and trust us, you will be back for more. Tijuana Street Photography Tours

Walk over the border into Tijuana

Park in San Ysidro and walk through the border. It saves you time and money, especially on the way back. Driving in Tijuana is an art form itself and can be super crazy, but crossing back to the US can suck the life out of you and it is not at all worth it. Walk, please! Another reason to leave the car is because the police in Tijuana have a habit of pulling people over for fantom traffic violations. They then offer you the chance to pay up with cash instantly the going rate is 20-50 and that California plate won’t bring down the price.

Border line traffic Tijuana-San Diego

Don’t solicit for drugs

Even if it's just weed just don't do it. At some point in the day you will get some random person walk past you offering cheap pharma products like viagra+. Just say na gracias. You will likely pay more anyway and get back a mint instead of viagra, and some spinach instead of weed. Even worse you could get robbed down some alley conducting your sketchy business, or you could end up in the slammer…. All for some spinach smh

If you really need Viagra then Tijuana has plenty of legit places to purchase them. No need for street transactions ever!!

Stay away from Red Light District

This place is grimy and a drug infested trash-hole. Don’t take part and absolutely do not take your camera into the area, it’s a big no no. Unfortunately, most males that go to Tijuana end up here and it shapes their opinion of the place. Tijuana is much better than this dump area. Bad people prey on those drunken fools getting wasted in this district.

Don’t get wasted

Have a few beers by all means, but getting wasted with a camera is surely going to lead you into trouble unless that’s your thing? If you do have a few beers make sure you empty your tank in a public restroom, not the street, you can find them all over and they usually cost 25c if not free for patrons.

Drinks are cheap in Tijuana, but don’t get carried away if you’re here for Photography

Show respect to those that want your business

You will likely get plenty of folks asking you to eat tacos or have a margarita at the best place in Tijuana or to check out the goods in the shop. You don’t need to eat, drink or shop, but you can politely say “no, gracias” and walk on. In general try to smile at people and don’t come across as an arrogant bugger that is expecting to get mugged by anyone that doesn’t fit the mold of an American.

Yes, they have the cheapest Viagra in town, like all the other places also. Be respectful always.

Get back when the sun goes down

Since this guide is for street photographers in Tijuana, you don’t need to stay for the nightlife in TJ. If you do find yourself in the city center at dark then it’s probably best to get a taxi back to the Tijuana/USA border. We have walked back many times in the dark with no trouble at all, but we know these streets well. If it’s your first time in Tijuana, with a camera especially then don’t struggle to find your way back in the dark. Get that golden hour light, then get your walk on!

you can get around town super cheap using a taxi. Most trips around the city center cost $1

Keep your bearings

New streets can all start to look the same, it’s a good idea to stop and figure out exactly where you’re. Not the best idea to walk aimlessly into the unknown parts of Tijuana.

wander with a purpose and always know your way back

Be modest with what you take to Tijuana

No need to walk the streets looking like money Mayweather, head to toes in bling. Be modest and dress the part. Most of the folks you see in Tijuana don’t make that much money, life is a hustle for them. You walking the streets in Louis Vuitton doesn’t look as good as you think it does and it might just make you a target for a thief, just saying. Nobody will even notice your camera around your neck if you dress modestly.

Better to dress modestly in Tijuana as a photographer especially. No need to be flash, it won’t earn you any browny points

VISITING TIJUANA WITH A CAMERA

We won’t ever discourage solo visits to Tijuana. We totally believe in them and the true sense of adventure you get from going solo. But a fast track experience designed for street photographers is a worthwhile experience. We know the streets of Tijuana inside out. We know which streets to go down and which to avoid. We know the best hipster food places in Tijuana and the best local street taco places also. The best points of interest and areas for street photography in Tijuana. Visit our main page for more information on our Tijuana street photography tours